My podcasting career is up to a whopping 7 interviews now. I have really enjoyed each one of them and appreciate the time the comedians have given me. On Tuesday, 5 of the 7 people who I have interviewed were at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge…either performing or playing DJ (Matty Ballgame…yeah…he’s a hedge fund manager, a comedian, and a DJ). And I think the lesson for the night was pretty clear…I have talked with some damn funny people.

Ritchie Angeles was a special guest host for the evening. He just has a special way of bringing the excitement of a sports announcer to the comedy show. Gives you those little goosebumps you get at a ballgame.

Rebecca Michael did all new material for the crowd…and I thought she was great. I felt it was time for Rebecca to push herself past her old material and take the next step…and she shined. As a newer comedian, this is a difficult but necessary step. Can’t wait to see her continue the development of her new jokes.

Chris Franjola from Chelsea Lately closed the show with a stellar set of crowd work. Essentially, he went up on stage not really wanting to do material – this is actually when Franjola is at his best. He’s relaxed and off the cuff. Luckily he hit comedy gold…a group of 4 girls in their early 20′s sitting in row two…and a dude with a puffy vest jacket in row one. It doesn’t get much better than that people. He went back and forth with these folks…and it killed.

I normally don’t like to categorize comedians…male, female, black, Asian…because funny is funny. Who cares? But people do it all the time. So I want to make this very easy to read for everyone. Christina Pazsitzky cemented herself as the best female comedian in the city. The mark of a great comedian is continual development of great material. It’s about writing. I’ve seen CP (or Pezz if you’re nasty) perform almost 10 times. She continues to make me laugh over and over again with great, new material. She’s dirty, she’s cute, and I’m pretty sure she’s smarter than most of us. She told a joke about her husband’s obsessive grabbing of his crotch that had me screaming. Get off your ass and go see her…she’s in town for the summer.

Finally a big shout out to Patrick Keane. He’s hilarious. He tells a joke about Kane and Abel that is one of the best jokes I’ve heard. Definitely check him out when you get a chance.

“Sorry…I like to party…” – if you were at the show…you know what that means. Actually…I was there and still don’t know what it means…but Franjola had a field day with it. Thanks to the ladies in row 2.

Matty “Ballgame” Balaker has been putting on Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge for 3 years now.  That’s a pretty incredible number.  There are very few live comedy shows in Los Angeles that last that amount of time.  The success of the show stems from Matt’s unwaivering passion for stand-up comedy, his professionalism, and his understanding that the audience comes first.  The show has been so successful that Red Rock as completely transformed it’s upstairs lounge from grandma’s attic to a borderline swanktasic lounge.

Over the past 3 years, I would venture to say I have seen 90% of the shows. As a regular dude with a job and responsibilities, it’s an easy way for me to get my comedy fix. It’s free, there’s no drink min., parking is easy, food is good if I want it, and the comedians are the best in the city. Plus I’m out the door by 10pm.

In those 3 years, I have seen great sets from the likes of Alonzo Bodden, Greg Fitzsimmons, Bert Kreischer, Ryan Sickler, Tom Segura, Bret Ernst and many others. But I think most show regulars would agree that the definitive performance at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge was Joe Rogan’s 1 hour and 15 minute set in 2007. It was probably the funniest stand-up routine I have ever seen live.

Last night, I believe Sam Tripoli delivered the best set Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge has seen since Rogan. He brought is A+ game and was spitting heat from the moment he grabbed the mic. He unloaded on the the eclectic Asian hair dresser in the front row and tried to get her in a threesome with a blonde at the end of the row. He even hit swine flu with the line of the night, “One Mexican dude fucks a pig and we are all screwed. Meanwhile, chicks have been blowing donkeys down there for years, and everything has been fine. What’s going on?!”. The guy was on fire…moving from off the cuff audience work to written material with little detection.

Tripoli is a unique talent in the sense that he should not be contained. I’m sure network execs try to fit him into a bottle…but in order to get his full potential…they just need to let that guy loose.

The rest of the line-up was solid as well, but I have to say the night belonged to the Crime Fighter. Not only did he kill, but he walked in with a hot blonde with at least DD’s. And who doesn’t love comedy and boobs. Well done sir…well done.

Thought I would combine the two comedy shows that I went to this week in the greater Los Angeles-area into one condensed post – Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock on Tuesday night and Comedy Juice at the Ice House on Thursday night.

Quick review of the Laugh Lounge line-up:
Matty Balaker, Karl Hess, Nadine Rajabi, Tommy Keating, Johnny Cardinale, Jen Kirkman, Jason Gillearn, Geoff Lott (google them…I don’t feel like linking right now).

Pretty sure Karl Hess is one of the most underrated comedians out there. This dude needs to be in the big shows. Voice inflection alone gets laughs…plus he has great material. Keating and Cardinale were first timers for me and both did awesome. I’ve spoken many times before about how much I like Jen Kirkman. Jason Gillearn is THE most underrated comedian there is. He is off the charts. His slow delivery and unexpected dirty punchline lines kill the audience every time. Geoff Lott seems like he could do material forever…he’s that good and that smart. Plus, he’s a good dude. Rule #1…don’t be a dick.

The Comedy Juice line-up:
K-Von, Adam Ray, April Macie, Ryan Sickler

I love the Ice House. I want to thank my friend Barbara Corry for always being so kind when I’m there. Please check out her book “The Ultimate Green Room”. She has supported live comedy for many years. April Macie was so awesome. I love dirty, female comedians…I can’t help it. And I don’t think I’m the only one. The audience loved her too. Sickler was great again and Adam Ray was awesome too.

The Live Comedy L.A. podcasts will be conversations with comedians, producers, bookers, managers, venue operators, and other people in the L.A. comedy scene. Simple. Direct. And no bullshit. I use Skype to record the call and post it using GCast.

The first podcast is with Matty “Ballgame” Balaker, producer of Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock. I’m happy with the way it turned out. It’s VERY low key and I expect I will get better but it’s a good start. Hope you enjoy.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY (RIGHT CLICK TO DOWNLOAD)

The LCLA Podcast will be back next week with Rebecca Michael and Chris Franjola to talk about their new show “Commercial Break” on thestream.tv.

If you are interested in being on the LCLA Podcast shoot me an email at info@livecomedyla.com

Sorry for the late recap on last week’s special edition of Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge: The Chelsea Lately Special.

The concept of having a comedy show tied to a TV program is a stroke of genius by show producer Matt Balaker. I can see him continuing to do this with other TV shows that have writing and performing staff members that are stand-up comedians (…and let’s be honest…that’s every show). It will fill the room because people will want to see their co-workers perform and it will give the general public a chance to see names and faces they are familiar with from their favorite shows. Also, it gives Balaker a chance to put up one or two additional comedians in the line-up for exposure to show execs, as well as some exposure for himself. Very saavy, if you ask me. If I’m Matty Ballgame, I’m trying to get Laugh Lounge: The Late Late Show Special, The Office Special, The Comics Unleashed Special, etc. And if I’m a comedian, I’m making friends with Matty Ballgame.

The line-up was solid. Balaker kicked things off with some classic girlfriend material and closed strong with current events. I continue to be impressed by his writing efforts. He is creating new jokes for every show, which any comedian will tell you is extremely difficult. Comedians have a tendency to get lazy and rely on the same jokes over and over again. That’s not a recipe for long-term success. It’s a recipe for about 15 minutes of fame. Last Comic Standing fame…really.

The rest of the line-up was solid. I enjoyed seeing Guy Branum for the first time, as well as Jen Kirkman. Dave Hanson is one of my favorite comedians in the city because he’s a man’s man. Chris Millhouse did a solid set in front of the Chelsea staffers and Josh Wolf did a quick 5. I’m sure Josh is a hell of a nice guy, but I think you have to be an extraordinary comedian to be a “story teller”. I’m just not getting sets. I think TV folks could turn his life into a good TV show – young, divorced dad with custody of his two teenage children. But it’s tough on stage.

Anyway, Chris Franjola closed strong. He got heckled again. He handles the hecklers pretty well, though. Sometimes I wish Chris would just do crowd work and not worry so much about being the “headliner”. He’s best when he is loose and able to go into the crowd.

On a side note, Red Rock completely remodeled the upstairs lounge. It actually looks high end. I have a feeling it’s a direct result of the comedy show. Seriously. This place is pretty slow without the show. Let’s hope the remodel kills the attic jokes, the ski lodge jokes, etc. Please God let it kill those jokes.

2009 Comedy Season Totals
Show Count: 7
Total Ticket Cost: $38
Total Min. Drink Cost: $12

Crazy show last night at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge. The line-up was killer – Last Comic Standing winner Iliza Schlesinger was in the house warming up material for her tour; Ryan Stout from MTV threw down 10 minutes; Carlos “The Chicken Whisperer” Kotkin killed it; plus new comer Brad Schecter did a quick 5; and Matty “Ballgame” Balaker brought the heat with some great jokes about disappointing his parents.

Just want to call out two great comedians – “Dragon Boy Suede” Howard Kremer did Ballgame’s show for the first time. I’ve said it before…he’s probably top 10 most talented comedians out there. He gave me a CD last night with the greatest song ever on it called “Nut Valet”. Did I mention DBS raps? Get this guy a show…now!

Finally, I got to see a complete set from Bert Kreisher. Jesus…he’s good. He’s all energy…and dirty. He does a joke about his baby girl sucking on a finger that killed. Plus…one of the great moments in Ballgame’s history happened last night. Playboy Cyber Girl Natasha Budhi (NSFW) a.k.a. “The Chocolate Bunny” showed up to the Laugh Lounge in an outfit that showed three-quarters of her beautiful and gigantic breasts. Some how she ended up on stage with Kreisher in one of the funniest exchanges ever. We need more Playboy Cyber girls at live comedy shows – you will be heavily promoted here at Live Comedy L.A. – I’m just sayin’.

We’re celebrating live comedy, Live Comedy L.A., and yes…my 30th birthday this Saturday at Red Rock with a show that will blow you away.  The line-up is awesome. If you want to laugh, please come down and enjoy the celebration with me.  The show is FREE.  Yeah…FREE COMEDY.  I swear to you…this line-up rivals any of the line-ups you will see at a major club this weekend.  Hope to see you there.

Kicked off the year in comedy with a show at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock on Tuesday night. Check the line-up:

Bob Bledsoe: ProfileShot – VideoShot
Jonas Garvin: ProfileShot
Matty “Ballgame” Balaker: ProfileShot
Iliza Shlesinger: ProfileShot
KT Tatara: ProfileShot – VideoShot
Duncan Trussell: ProfileShot – VideoShot
Ryan Sickler: ProfileShot – VideoShot

Highlights:
Bob Bledsoe kicked off the show and then wrapped it back around with a set in the middle that he is sending into Leno. I’ve seen Bob a few times and it was great seeing his classic material, plus the new clean stuff that will hopefully end up on the Late Night Shows. Jonas Garvin took the stage for the first time at Red Rock…I have not seen him before. Great stage persona…with some material development…he’ll be good. Matty Ballgame had me screaming out loud when we was talking about inviting his girlfriend’s friend over for a BBQ and a threesome. I’ve heard the joke before…but he nailed it. Iliza is always great…and KT is just a stellar comedian. He’s very polished. I expect big things from him. Duncan Trussell is an extremely intelligent, extremely funny individual who I could watch over and over again. I have the feeling this guy has tons of material at home that he’s just waiting to throw at us. I hope he never does clean set in his life…it would kill it. And of course Sickler took the stage at Red Rock for the first time in a while. I love this guy. He’s a buddy…so I’m biased. His new tortilla joke had me laughing “about 10 tortillas”. I’d like to see some new stuff…which I know we will. In the mean time…he’s comedy is like a good tune…I turn it up every time it comes on.

Line-Up:
Matt Baetz
Jessica Glassberg
Matty “Ballgame” Balaker
Josh McDermitt
Sarah Colonna
Chris Franjola
Brian Scolaro

Let me tell you why I love live comedy…you never know what’s going to happen. This Stevie Nicks look-a-like chick kept interrupting the show. It was kind of funny at first…but as all obnoxious crowd members go…it got annoying. Ballgame handled it well…but eventually she had to be tossed…loved it. Look folks…as much as we think live comedy is some type of interactive thing…90% of the time…it isn’t…so per usual…keep your yapper shut. If the comedian wants to engage the crowd…he’ll come calling…don’t worry. There is nothing worse than an audience member thinking they are funny…you’re not…no really…you’re not. Me included. Big crowd last night…the show may have reached the tipping point…people are starting to talk about it. Onto the comedians.

Matt Baetz -
Best host in town…hands down…it’s not even close. Not only does he get the crowd warmed up with very good material…he knows every comedians name…and you can just tell things were loose. Matt hosts in a way where he doesn’t make it about him…it’s about the show. By doing so…he comes off way more professionally…and his material and skills shine. Not to mention he was dealing with that d-bag lady in row 2. I’m not kidding…she kept saying she was from Texas…so damn annoying. But Baetz handled her. This guy is a gamer…go see him…ASAP!

Jessica Glassberg -
I really liked her slutty baby material…she called her Slutty McSlutterson…and she did some Pussy Cat Dolls action. I think she hung with the jury duty material for about 3 minutes too long…but I’m sure she was testing. She has good presence…and she’s cool. Some material development and she’ll be good to go.

Matty “Ballgame” Balaker -
Ballgame was solid…unflapped by Stevie Nicks…he powered through his set. The unfortunate thing is…because of this chick…I’m having a tough time remembering his material. But he handled her really well…didn’t lose his cool…got the crowd laughing at her…never lost his confidence on stage…and kicked ass. Folks…this chick actually walked on stage…anything less than Ballgame kicking her in the ass was a miracle. That’s a pro, ladies and gentlemen.

Josh McDermitt -
My first time seeing Josh. He was solid…his joke about you are what you eat was great. He said, “I don’t agree…I’ve never eatin’ a 29 year old loser who still lives at home with his dad.” Awesome. Looking forward to seeing him again.

Sarah Colonna -
Sarah is great. So cool. She’s getting Britney, Paris, Lindsey, Tom Sizemore, and The Hof…all in a house for a show called….”So You Think You Can Drink”. Genius. I love the roofy girl too. And she cut the her vibrator joke at the end at the perfect spot. Awesome set.

Chris Franjola -
I’m telling you right now…there are very few comedians on Franjola’s level. He’s off the cuff…he’s current…he’s quick. Can we get this cat a show or something…seriously. Can we put him, Sickler, Segura, Brody…I could go here…in some stuff. Franjola closed with his sex joke…which kills. I also love the one about his neighbor taping himself having sex…that is unreal. Go see Franjola…seriously.

Brian Scolaro -
There is one joke I will never get tired of…and Brian may be sick of it…but I’m not…and no audience I have ever seen is…the sneezing joke. I think it might be the best joke of all time. I scream like a chick every time I hear it.  His caveman material was great too. Scolaro was awesome…he’s a cool dude.

Great time last night…if you aren’t going to stand-up comedy…you are missing out. It’s too good not to go.

Great show on Tuesday the 6th at Red Rock…I’ll be in the house.